Travellers hungry for UK city breaks

Food really is the spice of life as British holidaymakers are choosing their next break using their stomach.

Food markets and restaurants were voted the top two factors when considering a UK town or city break, closely followed by historical attractions, festivals and museums.

cottages4you, the UK’s leading holiday letting agency, carried out the research in response to the growing trend for holidaying at home last year. Despite the resurgence of British coastal breaks in 2009, bookings to towns and cities are also on the increase, with seven night breaks making up 56 per cent of city holidays this year.

The top five reasons for taking a town or city break are:

1. Markets and shopping (82 per cent)
2. Restaurants (80 per cent)
3. Historical attractions (76 per cent)
4. Festivals and event (73 per cent)
5. Museums and exhibitions (67 per cent)

The findings highlight the variety of activities demanded by holidaymakers when planning a UK break. Following a love of fine food, appreciating the nation’s historical links and visiting cultural attractions are seen as key drivers in choosing a location.

Focusing on towns and cities outside of the capital, the survey found that the top five places for city and town breaks are:

York (47 per cent)
Edinburgh (37 per cent)
Brighton (31 per cent)
Bath (29 per cent)
Stratford-upon-Avon (27 per cent)
 
Unsurprisingly, York and Edinburgh - cities which combine history, culture and great restaurants - come in the top two positions.  Edinburgh was also cited as the home of the best restaurants.

To cater for the nation’s demand for town and city breaks, cottages4you has launched a dedicated service for finding centrally located properties, available via - cottages4you.co.uk. 

Managing Director Geoff Cowley said: “Although London is a great place to visit, our survey found that towns and cities outside the capital are increasingly popular for holidaymakers. There is so much to explore - the mix of markets, speciality shops, top restaurants and historical beauty make UK towns and cities an ideal choice for a holiday.”

Three quarters of people questioned are planning to take a town or city break this year. Cost was deemed the most important factor when selecting accommodation and nearly a third of people preferred to stay in places which have character or historical links to the city.

Geoff continued: “Having a home from home to come back to after a busy day is seen as the most important factor after cost when selecting accommodation. cottages4you offers unique and characterful places to spend your holiday in more than 30 towns and cities across the UK. Choosing a self catering option means city-breakers can manage their own schedules for exploring and not be restricted by meal times. They can also avoid noisy neighbours, which nearly 50 per cent of people said put them off hotels.”

Stratford-upon-Avon was voted the most picturesque town (22 per cent), Bath the most romantic (17 per cent), Torquay the best for families (26 per cent) and Brighton is the best place for entertainment (28 per cent).

Top towns and cities:

Best for restaurants

1. Edinburgh
2. Bath
3. Brighton

Most picturesque

1. Stratford-upon-Avon
2. Bath
3. York

Best for shopping

1. Birmingham
2. Edinburgh
3. Brighton

Most historical

1. York
2. Edinburgh
3. Stratford-upon-Avon

Most family friendly

1. Torquay
2. Brighton
3. York

Best for entertainment

1. Brighton
2. Edinburgh
3. Birmingham

Most romantic

1. Bath
2. Edinburgh
3. Stratford-upon-Avon